State's July 2026 guidance says NVC generally schedules immigrant-visa applicants in their country of residence, with the country of nationality available on request. The underlying scheduling policy took effect November 1, 2025, and post-transfer requests after scheduling should go through NVC.
From July 15, nonimmigrant visa applicants were directed to schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants using residence must demonstrate it, while third-country applicants may face longer waits and greater difficulty.
State said all FY2026 EB-5 unreserved visas available to India-chargeable applicants were used as of June 5. No additional unreserved visas could be issued for the fiscal-year remainder, while reserved EB-5 categories remain distinct.
The State Department said on May 22 that all FY2026 EB-2 immigrant visas available to applicants chargeable to India had been used. Additional issuance cannot resume until the new fiscal year begins October 1, subject to future Visa Bulletin availability and individual eligibility.
State moved India's June 2026 EB-1 Final Action Date to December 15, 2022 and EB-2 to September 1, 2013, citing high demand and number use. It also warned that further retrogression or unavailability could follow.
USCIS completed the FY2027 H-1B initial selection process on March 31, 2026, after receiving enough registrations to reach the regular and advanced-degree allocations. Selected employers could file petitions beginning April 1, but selection itself did not constitute H-1B approval.
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